MS HB558

Amends Mississippi Code Section 31-7-13 to authorize prequalification of contractors for "high complexity construction projects," defined as medical, clinical, research, laboratory, archival, data center and similar projects requiring highly skilled and experienced contractors.

Requires the Department of Finance and Administration to determine that the prequalification method satisfies the public need better than the traditional design-bid-build method before it can be used for a particular project.

Establishes that prequalification of bidders must be determined not less than 15 working days before the first published notice of bid opening, with prequalification criteria limited to bidder's knowledge and experience in high complexity construction.

Allows agencies and governing authorities to purchase from the lowest and best prequalified bidder, with life-cycle costing, warranties, and other relevant provisions included in best bid calculations.

Effective date: July 1, 2018.